Barred Spiny Eel

Mastacembelus circumcinctus is a cleanly patterned spiny eel from the rivers and floodplains of Thailand and Cambodia, where it inhabits slow-moving waters with soft substrate and dense riparian vegetation. Its clearly defined dark crossbands on a pale cream to yellow body give it a bold and attractive appearance that stands out against the more subtly patterned tire track eel.

In the aquarium it follows the standard care requirements for medium Mastacembelus: deep fine sand, strong biological filtration, a fully escape-proof lid, and multiple daytime hiding structures. It will establish a preferred burrow territory and return to the same location repeatedly once settled.

Earthworms and bloodworm are highly preferred; prawns and mussel add useful variety. The transition to quality sinking pellets is achievable with patient conditioning. This is a rewarding intermediate species for keepers looking for something more visually striking than the common tire track eel while managing similar care demands.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, GH 3–15, KH 1–8. Tank: Minimum 150 L, deep sand, caves and driftwood, sealed lid, regular water changes. Feeding: Carnivore; earthworms, bloodworm, prawns, mussel, and sinking pellets. Breeding: Not recorded; assumed seasonal egg-scatterer in warm soft conditions. Compatibility: Peaceful with large robust fish; predatory toward small fish.